Before the Battle

Portrait of Siegfried Sassoon
Siegfried Sassoon 1886–1967

Music of whispering trees Hushed by a broad-winged breeze Where shaken water gleams; And evening radiance falling With reedy bird-notes calling. O bear me safe through dark, you low-voiced streams.

I have no need to pray That fear may pass away; I scorn the growl and rumble of the fight That summons me from cool Silence of marsh and pool And yellow lilies is landed in light O river of stars and shadows, lead me through the night.

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